There’s so much to do and so little time to do it!!! Is that you?
Are you looking for ways to find more time?!?
That’s what we’re going to do in today’s episode of the Heart-Centred Business Podcast…
Here for the links referenced in the show notes?
Episode 257: Should I focus on short-term or long-term goals? tashcorbin.com/257
Read on or watch below…
Confession time: The title of this podcast is a bit deceiving…
WHY?
Because aiming to ‘find’ time is like trying to ‘find’ money..
You need to take control and MAKE time – that’s what we are going to do today.
Here are five ways that you can create time in your business so that you can focus on those important actions that you know are going to create growth.
1. Schedule it
I know, I know, that’s what everyone says. But that’s because it’s really good advice.
To use me as an example, I had a long period of time in my business where I didn’t record podcast episodes. It just never happened because I was waiting for time to magically appear. I would say yes, I’ll definitely do it sometime this week. But it wasn’t scheduled in, so it didn’t happen!!
Now I have created a way not only to schedule it in, but to make it an awesome event and a fabulous day.
I started my day today by getting my hair done at the hairdresser. By having that appointment booked into my calendar to go and get my hair done and then having four hours scheduled to record videos, guess what I’m doing today? Recording podcast videos.
This is a bit of a bonus tip as well: don’t just schedule the important activities. Attach them to other activities you know you’ll actually do!
I won’t skip a hair appointment – I don’t like to cancel on my stylist, and I really enjoy the feeling of fresh hair!
For those important actions that you know are going to grow your business in the long term in particular, make sure that you schedule some time into your calendar for them.
It’s simple but brilliantly effective.
2. Balance between short-term and long-term
Do a little reflection on the week that has just been. I want you to be honest with yourself: How often in your day were you focused on the short-term urgent actions versus the long-term important actions?
When I first started my business, I did not think about long-term growth of my business for a very long time. I was so excited and energised by focusing on the short-term things, like posting in Facebook groups, making offers, connecting with people, getting clients and particularly making money (especially in the short-term).
(By the way, I have an episode where I talk all about short-term and long-term goals. Read, watch or listen at tashcorbin.com/257)
3. Creation vs. consumption
This one is tricky because I love love love learning. If I could just watch webinars, listen to podcasts and read and learn all day long, I totally would.
But it’s important to balance consumption time with actual creation time – implementing what you learn!
A rule of thumb for me is that every hour of consumption is followed by an hour of creation. I need to implement something different in my life or my business as a result of consuming that information.
Something else that you can do is use the app on your phone that tells you how long you’re spending online.
Keep track for a few weeks of how long you’re going to other people’s webinars, doing online courses, learning from others, listening to podcasts, listening to audiobooks, reading books, etc… there’s so much we consume!
Think about all the ways that you’re consuming information, then give it balance by allocating creation time.
You might have to halve your consumption time to give yourself the equivalent time each week to get into the space of being in creation.
That could mean time creating content, creating your courses, creating new resources, creating your next 90 days of Facebook posts… whatever you need to do to take that learning and put it into action.
4. Saying ‘No’
Saying no – time management tips for scaling and growth
It can be very tempting to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way… But as your business grows, it’s time to get more discerning.
Saying yes to one thing means you’re saying no to something else. There is always an opportunity cost.
There was a time when I really wanted to do in-person events, and I said yes to every speaking opportunity that came my way. But as I’ve been growing my business and really starting to refine the way that I work in my business, for me to actually travel to, prepare for, participate in and then follow up a live speaking event, is a big opportunity cost. It’s not a big return on investment for my business compared to what I could be achieved, if I stayed home, got my stuff done, really looked after myself and focused on my current strategy in my business.
Whenever you’re considering an opportunity, ask yourself: What am I saying no to if I say yes to this?
5. Healthy Boundaries
As my business grows, I’m getting better and better at being clear on my boundaries.
I have a fun thing that I like to say to the members of my courses and my VIP clients: My boundaries are my responsibility. If you feel like you want to reach out to me, I would rather that you ask. It’s better to ask and get a clear response, than waste time wondering if you can ask or not.
My clients know that I will be responsible for my boundaries. They don’t take it personally if I direct them to a group to ask, or to ask on a group call, or tell them that it would be better handled in a paid session.
That is such a beautiful thing. We’re living in a world now where we are able to establish those boundaries and we can support each other.
When people say no to me, I absolutely respect and applaud that as well.
I love that others are also looking after their boundaries. Even if I feel a little embarrassed for crossing them, I am glad they felt comfortable enough to tell me. It would be worse if they didn’t clarify the boundary and just resented me!!!
Have a think about where your boundaries are getting a little bit trampled, or where you haven’t been clear. And remember: it doesn’t have to be a bad thing that you put those boundaries up.
Ooohhh I feel like this was a pretty juicy episode! Do you? Come and share your questions, thoughts, and aha’s in the Heart-Centred Soul-Driven Entrepreneurs group using #podcastaha and the episode number (184).
Until next time, I cannot WAIT to see you SHINE.
